Ashley's POV

I closed the door of our bedroom so that I could escape for some time. I don't want him to find that I'm trying to search for jobs or courses I could apply to and keep myself busy. I just want to stay away from all this and help myself. I know he won't allow me to do something like this but I want to so I'll have to lie about it. I was searching in the newspaper when I heard a knock. I got scared and the newspaper fell. I was so frightened by his presence. I calmed myself and put the newspaper away.

"Why is this door locked? ASHLEY?!" He roared from outside and I flinched.

"H-honey I-I am just c-changing"

"SO? Why is it closed? Is there someone inside with you?"

"What? No-no, I-no"

"Open the damn door. I SWEAR TO GOD IF I FIND ANYTHING WRONG I'M GOING TO-"

I didn't let him finish and opened the door. He pushed me aside and entered the room. He looked around and everywhere but couldn't find anything or to be precise anyone. He stood in front of me and looked at me with furry.

He held my arm sharply and pulled me closer "Ashley! I swear to god if I find anything that I shouldn't, you'll not be able to see your beautiful face"

I flinched and just nodded. I was scared I was always scared around him. I don't trust him I know if I do anything wrong I'm dead. I tried to release myself but he held me closer. He came more closer and...

I woke up with a sweaty forehead and rapid breathing. I looked around and realized it was just a bad dream. I'm safe and secure in my apartment and there isn't anything that could harm me.

I haven't had that dream in years. I thought it was over until tonight. I reached out and took my anxiety pill. I didn't want to take any more pills but my heart was racing too fast and my mind was spinning, I needed control.

I grabbed my cellphone from my nightstand and called my mom immediately. I just wanted to hear someone's voice I know.

MOM: Hello sweetie! What are you doing up so late at night? Are you okay?

ASHLEY: Hi mom. I'm fine. I'm okay. I just wanted to hear your voice.

MOM: What happened Ash? Tell me, are you, alright dear?

ASHLEY: Yes I'm alright. I just.. I.. never mind. I'm okay now, you can go back to sleep.

MOM: Ashley Walker, you better tell me what happened?

ASHLEY: I just had another nightmare. The same one where you know..

MOM: Oh god! Are you all alright? Did you drink water? You know what? I should come over now.

ASHLEY: What? No. It's the middle of the night. Look, I'm alright now. I took a pill, I'll be okay. Just relax.

MOM: I don't understand why are you staying alone when we've such a big house? Can't you just come here and stay with us?

ASHLEY: We've had this decision million times and my reasons remain the same. Go to sleep Mom.

MOM: Why? You get these crazy nightmares and yet you aren't ready to shift-

ASHLEY: MOM! For the last time, I'm okay. Tell dad I need an architect soon so he better hurry up. I'm getting late so bye mom. Love you.

MOM: Fine. Love you too sweetie.

I hung up and leaned back. I was aware that my mom is always worried sick about me living alone but sometimes you got to take the big scary decisions. Every step in life is a tough one but everyone ought to take that step alone and I'm just learning to do it.

I got up and cooked for myself. I eat my breakfast while reading the newspaper. I finished my breakfast and got up to get ready for work. I got dressed for office. I left my dark brown long hair fall. I applied the necessary makeup and left for the office.

I'm the owner of 'Richard constructions'. My dad started the company but a few years back he retired and handed me over the company. Although he still comes around and gives his consultation, I'm the boss.

My work is what I'm always busy with. Everything I've done in the past couple of years is for my work and because of my work. I feel it is the only thing that gives me hope and strength to wake up in the morning and live through the day.

I'm pretty sure my employees hate me as they should. I'm not the let's have a fun chatty boss. The truth is I'm not chatty at all, I speak only when required, I don't ask or get involved in anyone's personal life, I don't sit around talking about my employee's emotions and feelings, I appreciate a good worker and that is all that matters for me. I keep the people I work with at an arm's length, I don't want these nosy people poking around in my past or my life before I was there boss.

I entered the office and they greeted me. I kept my standard straight face with no hint of emotion whatsoever. I'm not even sure I feel anything worth showcasing on my face. Also, this is my place of work, not a sheik's office.

I entered my cabin and saw something I hate. Every day, every moment I try to get a move away from my past as much as I can. I wake up and look those memories away but the sad part is even the slightest reminder opens the gate and everything comes flooding back. It is overwhelming and hurtful at the same time. There is a reason people run from the past, it isn't that pretty always.

"LISA!" I called my secretary.

"Ma'am?"Ass she tried to catch her breath from running.

"ROSES? There are freaking roses in my office. How many times do I've to tell you that I don't want your stupid flowers making my cabin homey? DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?" I didn't mean to be crappy about flowers but I couldn't help myself. I can't control the memories or the emotions attached to them. I became restless and anxious as if my past is right around the corner and can sneak up on me at any time.

"Jenny..." She trailed afraid of speaking up but I kept staring. She finally sighed "Jenny put it in here. I'm extremely sorry ma'am."

"Tell Jenny I'm calling her. Right now"